Ryan Poles is cooking. The Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders have swung the first major trade ahead of this afternoon’s deadline with Pass rusher Montez Sweat in exchange for a second-round pick.
UPDATE (3:00 PM CT): :
Pass rusher has been a sore spot for the Bears for some time and Ryan Poles has taken the long route in addressing the issue. While Chicago still has a major decision to make this afternoon with cornerback Jaylon Johnson — who requested a trade and was granted permission to s𝔍eek 🔯one — but this is a massive get for Poles and the Bears.
According to Ian♍ Rapoport, Chicago has discussed 🧸both Sweat and fellow pass rusher Chase Young with the Commanders for some time.
The Bears are projected to have the most cap space in the NFL this offseason with over $110M and are getting a head start by🥂 adding Montez Sweat to their defensive line in a trade with Washington.
The Falcons were 𒉰also interested in Montez Sweat. In the end, Poles lands that elusive🧸 pass rusher.
This is a developing story and we will provide updates as they become available!
Luis: Holy cow! This is an absolutely bold trade by Ryan Poles and it is one that makes me feel a little uneasy. This isn’t to take anything away from Montez Sweat’s skills and potential. However, my initial reaction to the news was “they really couldn’t call the Commanders’ bluff?” After all, it’s not like Washington could give a Franchise or Transition Tag to both Sweat *AND* Chase Young.
The other thought that came to mind was that Sweat better be signing a team-friendly extension. As it stands, the Bears just gave up the 34th pick (if it’s Carolina’s) or 37th pick (if it’s their own) in the upcoming NFL Draft. That is a hefty price to pay — and to do so for the second consecutive year has me asking questions. We’ll sort through it later.
